Once logged into a Cisco switch, you can examine various software and hardware-related settings and information. This is achieved through specific commands executed in privileged EXEC mode. The commands you'll typically use for this purpose are “show version,” “show interfaces,” and, most importantly, “show running-config.”
These commands are essential for network administrators to diagnose issues, monitor performance, and ensure the switch functions correctly. Each command provides specific details that help troubleshoot and maintain the network infrastructure.
“show version” Command
The “show version” command on a switch provides crucial information about its hardware and software, including its model, firmware version, available memory, and system uptime.
This command is important because it helps administrators verify the switch's compatibility with other devices, assess potential upgrade needs, and diagnose issues.
The following example shows the output of the “show version” command on a Cisco switch.
The above output shows that the switch is running Cisco IOS Release 15.0(2)SE4, with an uptime of 39 minutes. The image file is on the flash, and the switch features 24 FastEthernet and 2 GigabitEthernet interfaces.
“show interfaces” Command
The “show interfaces” command on a Cisco switch provides detailed information about the status and configuration of network interfaces. It's crucial for network administrators as it enables real-time monitoring of interface performance, helping to identify issues, troubleshoot network problems, and ensure optimal network functionality. To retrieve information for a specific interface only, specify it with the command.
For instance, the following output provides information about the interface FastEthernet0/1.
In the above output, FastEthernet0/1 shows an 'up' status and 'Full' duplex, with a MAC address of 000a.41aa.e101 and a speed of 100 Mbps.
“show running-config” Command
The “show running-config” command on a Cisco switch provides the current active configuration of the device. It's crucial for network administrators as it enables them to view and verify the switch's current settings and make informed decisions for troubleshooting, maintaining, or making changes to the network configuration.
This command helps ensure network stability and security by offering a real-time snapshot of the device's operational state.
The following example shows the output of a Cisco switch's “show running-config” command.
